cognitively challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"cognitively challenging" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that requires a lot of mental effort or is mentally demanding. Example: "The math problems in this textbook are quite cognitively challenging, but I know they will help me improve my problem-solving skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This is in agreement with Davis et al, 32 who argued that rather than being mediated by physical fitness benefits, the exercise-induced cognitive changes may be a direct result of neural stimulation by cognitively challenging movements.

Clinical interventions in aging

Technological automation is making jobs less routine and more cognitively challenging.

Harvard Business Review

It may be that people who are cognitively intact get more pleasure from cognitively challenging activities than people whose faculties are starting to fail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We think it can be built up throughout life, so taking part in cognitively challenging activities, learning new skills and continuing to "use it or lose it" probably applies no matter how old you are – crucially, it's never too late to start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This latest study is among the first to use electrocorticography – which places electrodes directly on the exposed surface of the brain – to measure neural oscillations as people perform cognitively challenging tasks and show how these rhythms control communication between brain regions.

University of California, Berkeley

Improvements in children's real achievement will come only with broader reforms: the development of a strong corps of teachers, in early childhood as well as in upper grades; increased support for teachers; emphasis on curriculum that is cognitively challenging and developmentally appropriate; and social reforms that support families and allow families to support their children's learning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Conversely, an intellectual giant might be cognitively challenged in various fields, such as remembering where he put his keys.

The Guardian - Books

People who stutter are most often portrayed in these media as cognitively challenged, mentally unhealthy, shy, dangerous, or as the object of ridicule.

Harvard University

Who can help caregivers when a loved one who's cognitively challenged and depressed meets every suggestion with apathy or resistance?

The New York Times

This will allow evaluation of observer- and self-report instruments to be administered in neurologically ill geriatric populations such as PD, and identification of appropriate scales to use in cognitively challenged PD patients.

Journal of Affective Disorders

As a "mobile dad" himself, Mr. Lee says not only that parents are "at their most cognitively challenged (tired, in a new situation)" during a child's first few years, but that those years are a critical window for obesity prevention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities or tasks, use "cognitively challenging" to highlight the mental effort and engagement required. This can be useful in educational contexts, job descriptions, or when discussing hobbies.

Common error

Avoid using "cognitively challenging" when simpler terms like "difficult" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitively challenging" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the qualities of something that requires substantial mental effort, engaging higher-level thinking skills. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cognitively challenging" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that requires significant mental effort. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It appears most frequently in science, news media and academic contexts. When writing, it's recommended to use it to highlight the mental engagement of tasks, and to avoid overusing it in simple contexts. Related phrases include "mentally demanding" and "intellectually stimulating", each offering slightly different nuances. Be careful not to confuse it with "cognitively challenged", which carries a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually challenging

A more formal and direct synonym, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

mentally demanding

Emphasizes the high level of mental effort required.

intellectually stimulating

Focuses on the positive aspect of mental engagement and excitement.

brain-teasing

Suggests a playful or puzzle-like aspect that challenges the mind.

thought-provoking

Implies that the activity encourages deep thinking and reflection.

academically rigorous

Highlights the high standards and intellectual demands of a task, especially in academic settings.

mentally taxing

Focuses on the potentially draining effect on mental resources.

difficult to comprehend

Emphasis on understanding and interpreting complex concepts.

requiring critical thinking

Highlights the need for analytical and evaluative skills.

complex and intricate

Highlights the high degree of detail and interconnectedness which requires a higher level of cognitive effort.

FAQs

How can I use "cognitively challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "cognitively challenging" to describe activities or tasks that require significant mental effort. For example, "Solving puzzles is a "cognitively challenging" activity" or "The new assignment is quite "cognitively challenging"".

What are some alternatives to "cognitively challenging"?

Some alternatives include "mentally demanding", "intellectually stimulating", or "brain-teasing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "cognitively challenged" instead of "cognitively challenging"?

"Cognitively challenged" has a different meaning than "cognitively challenging". "Cognitively challenged" is often used as a euphemism for having intellectual disabilities, while "cognitively challenging" describes something that requires a lot of mental effort.

What's the difference between "cognitively challenging" and "intellectually stimulating"?

While both phrases describe activities that engage the mind, "cognitively challenging" focuses on the difficulty and mental effort involved, while "intellectually stimulating" emphasizes the positive aspect of mental engagement and excitement. The phrase "intellectually stimulating" suggests enjoyment and enrichment.